Healthy Body

Ingredients:

4 (5 oz.) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 C. lite apricot preserves
Dash ground allspice

Directions:

Pat chicken dry and place on broiler rack. Broil for about 6 minutes. Brush first side with lemon juice, turn chicken over and brush with remaining juice. Broil second side 6-9 minutes or until no longer pink. Heat apricot preserves and allspice in a small saucepan. Spoon over chicken breasts and serve. Wonderful served with brown rice. (Serves 4)

Low salt, low calorie, low fat, low cholesterol

The historical significance of the coconut and the oil extracted from it has been the source of numerous studies and research. The fact that the coconut has been proven to be beneficial to our health cannot be overstated. The nutritional value of coconut oil, however, is just as important. Let’s examine the reasons why.

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which means when the oil is consumed as part of a diet regimen, it is rapidly turned into an energy source and not body fat. This process allows for weight loss since one becomes fully sated after each meal.

Coconut oil also plays a role in digestion. Studies indicate that because this oil can be easily absorbed, it is primarily utilized for individuals who have problems digesting foods. The oil also allows for the absorption of minerals which is vital to the elderly in decreasing the rapidity of degeneration. In addition, because coconut oil absorbs calcium and magnesium, it is used for infants who are malnourished.

Studies performed among Polynesians assert that when coconut oil is consumed as part of their normal diet, they have less risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, their cholesterol levels were dramatically reduced.

Coconut oil has also been touted as supporting the immune system since it contains the medium chain fatty acids which consist of saturated fats. These fats allow for the antioxidants to remain intact whereas unsaturated oils are said to quickly break down vitamins essential to one’s health. This is especially effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.

Research into coconut oil and cancer has yielded significant results. It shows that unsaturated fats play a role in the advancement of colon and breast cancer, whereas saturated fats decrease the incidence by a wide margin.

While researching the effect of vegetable oil, results have determined that it can cause disease and increase the aging process. However, coconut oil can be used as an alternative method in reducing the amount of hydrogenated and polyunsaturated oils that can cause these diseases from the outset.

Finally, we know that coconut oil has an anti-microbial agent. The lauric acid in coconut oil allows for the anti-microbial agent to exist, unlike other oils available today.  While coconut oil contains the medium chain fatty acids, so does breast milk. Thus, when coconut oil is added to a mother’s diet, it effectively helps protect the infant from developing bacterial infections.

Coconut oil has been recognized as one of the most formidable dietary oils for centuries, with a high nutritional value. It cannot be denied, then, that this oil has helped decrease the incidence of disease and has proven to be among the most effective medicinal cures nature can provide.

Few may have considered bee pollen to be a source of nutrition for humans. However, bee pollen is actually known to be rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and folic acid.

Individuals who maintain a diet that is lacking in nutrition are vulnerable to many diseases. Bee pollen is widely used to improve health and has the ability to increase the production of blood cells in those who have anemia, prevent allergies, increase energy levels, build up the immune system against allergens, prevent infections, and may have anti-cancer properties as well.

What are the components in bee pollen that makes it so effective? Well, it contains eighteen amino acids, vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and protein. It also contains rutin which, taken as a supplement, can increase blood circulation, and has been used to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

The nutritional value of bee pollen to humans is quite amazing when you think about it. It really does sustain life and is considered to be a healthy, nutrition-filled food. According to one study done with honeybees, researchers have stated that “if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening the capillaries.”

They even go as far as to say that not even animal products contain the amount of protein that can be found in bee pollen. Also, the amino acid in bee pollen is higher than that found in dairy products and meat.

Bee pollen used as a nutritional supplement can enhance stamina, as well as prevent aging, prostate conditions, rheumatism, and cerebral hemorrhage. It also has an antibiotic agent that has been shown to be effective against salmonella poisoning and certain bacteria.

While we probably know that taking bee pollen can prevent allergies in which one can develop an immune reaction to allergens, it is quite exciting to know that it has so many nutritional values as well. As we strive to find alternative methods to improve and enhance our health, the benefits of bee pollen are well documented and cannot be overstated.

One holistic doctor commented that bee pollen is the best treatment available to reduce the symptoms of old age and should be used as a natural geriatric remedy worldwide.

Ingredients:

1 (4 serving) package sugar-free, instant, butterscotch pudding mix
2/3 C. and 2/3 C. nonfat dry milk powder
1 ¼ C. and 1 ¼ C. water
1 (6 oz.)Â chocolate piecrust
1 (4 serving) package sugar-free, instant, chocolate pudding mix
½ C. lite whipped topping
2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon mini-chocolate chips

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine dry butterscotch pudding mix, 2/3 C. dried milk powder, and 1 ¼ C. water. Mix well with a wire whisk. Pour mixture into piecrust.

In a medium bowl, combine dry chocolate pudding mix, 2/3 C. dried milk powder, and 1 ¼ C. water. Mix well with a wire whisk. Pour mixture over butterscotch layer. Refrigerate about 15 minutes
Before serving, spread ½ C. whipped topping over chocolate layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini-chocolate chips over top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Serves

Low calorie, low fat, low salt

Got Milk? Raw milk, that is? There is an interesting debate between proponents and opponents of raw milk who have been asked this question: Is raw milk suitable for children? Before you weigh in with your verdict, here are the nuts and bolts of why this subject has become so intense.

The basis upon which these two sides cannot agree has to do with pasteurization. Raw milk has bacteria, but so does pasteurized milk. The difference is that the E. coli bacteria found in raw milk is less prevalent than in milk that has been pasteurized. Research has shown that children who are given raw milk develop a resistance to such diseases as pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and other related illnesses. While we know that there is a high level of calcium in milk, scientists found that the growth of children drinking raw milk was far superior to those who did not ingest raw milk.

If you think about countries such as Africa, for example, part of the Masai’s diet is goat’s milk. In other countries and regions where people rely on cows and other animals to provide nutrients, raw milk is at the top of the list.

While it is true that cows should be healthy and the milk should be fresh, scientific data has proven that raw milk has been found to be good for children, and that it contains high concentrations of calcium, iodine, and protein which are essential components in promoting good health.

On the other side of the aisle are the opponents of raw milk who strongly suggest that raw milk is as bad as poison. Their rationale is that children develop tuberculosis which is caused by the germs contained in raw milk. While scientists generally discount this theory, there was a study which disclosed that one child out of seventy developed this disease. The research goes on to admit that fourteen children who drank pasteurized milk, however, developed TB.

There is another part of the equation that these debates inject. According to opponents, farmers would have to purchase machinery to process the raw milk. What if they can’t afford to? Proponents would counter with this argument: what did everyone do before Louis Pasteur came along?

While we know that pasteurization removes some nutrients and good bacteria, there is no scientific data that suggests raw milk is a bad thing. As a matter of fact, the data indicates that children and adults have become ill from drinking pasteurized milk as opposed to raw milk.

So there’s the debate in a nutshell. Considering that so much research has been done to explain the effects of raw milk versus pasteurized milk, it seems possible that this discussion is largely based on a political agenda and not the nutritional benefits derived therein.

Ingredients:

1 lb. smoked, turkey sausage
1 (32 oz.) jar sauerkraut, drained
2 C. unpeeled potatoes, thinly sliced
½ C. thinly sliced onion

Directions:

Place sauerkraut in large casserole dish. Top with potatoes and onions. Cut sausage into about 10 pieces and layer on top of potatoes and onions. Cover and cook at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, until potatoes are tender. (Serves

Low salt, low calorie, low fat

While approximately 1% of the population prefers drinking raw milk because of its many health benefits, there is a one question that should be addressed: is it okay to drink raw milk during pregnancy? Proponents would argue yes; however, the consensus among doctors as well as the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are definitive in their answer – an unequivocal no. Here are the reasons why pregnant women should not ingest raw milk.

Raw milk that is not “clean” or does not go through the pasteurization process contains harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. It is estimated that pregnant women are more likely to develop listeriosis than healthier adults. This can be extremely harmful not only to the pregnant woman but the fetus as well.

For example, there is a domino effect which can cause a myriad of problems. According to doctors, there are hormonal changes in a pregnant woman which can affect the course of treatment. While medication may cure the illness, it may affect the unborn fetus. How? It can cause miscarriages, illness, and even death. Even if the newborn survives, the immune system in an infant is not fully developed and their illness can become even more pronounced which would require appropriate medications to treat the newborn. This is the domino effect.

While it is true that raw milk that is clean and acquired from a farmer whose practices are beyond repute can be utilized, there is always the possibility that the bacteria can cause severe illness in a pregnant woman, which in turn can affect the fetus. Although it is also true that the “good” bacterium in raw milk plays an important role in preventing diseases among children, it can have an opposite effect in women who are pregnant.

In addition, any foods that are made from raw milk, such as cheeses, can also be harmful to pregnant women. Some of the symptoms associated with drinking or eating foods derived from raw milk can include vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and body aches.

There are a number of online blogs wherein women state they have been drinking raw milk during and after pregnancy. Some even swear by its benefits. They have not developed any illness from it and their babies are born healthy. In fact, some women state that raw milk is part of their family’s diet.

While the controversy surrounding the question of drinking raw milk during pregnancy will no doubt continue, since the data suggests that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing illness, one has to conclude that pregnant women should not drink raw milk.

Much has been written about cardiovascular health and how to help fend off heart disease with royal jelly. What has research shown?

Research has indicated that royal jelly can be beneficial among individuals who have angina, an enlarged heart, and other cardio-related conditions. Along these lines, this jelly seems to increase adrenal function which ultimately allows the adrenal glands to keep the heart rate at a safe level.

This is very important for those who suffer from high blood pressure. In essence, royal jelly brings the heart rate to a relaxed state, thus lowering one’s blood pressure. Moreover, studies concluded that continual use of royal jelly will normalize blood pressure entirely.

Another condition in which royal jelly plays an active role is arteriosclerosis. Clinical studies have ascertained that this condition, which is the hardening of the arteries, can be reversed.

We also know that high cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. Research has found that there is a significant reduction in cholesterol levels when royal jelly is taken on a regular basis.

Although smoking is a major cause of heart disease, the cholesterol levels rise among smokers. Animal studies showed that royal jelly lowered the nicotine effect which produced lower levels of cholesterol.

Other positive benefits include regenerating tissue in the elderly. Royal jelly is a source of albumin, which the heart cannot function without. It takes hold of calcium and makes its way to the bones. If an annual check-up shows that the calcium level is low, royal jelly can help increase the amount of albumin in the blood.

Smoking, high fat diets, cholesterol, stress, and hypertension all have one thing in common – they lead to heart disease. Although research on the effects of royal jelly and its role in preventing heart disease is still ongoing, the evidence already collected suggests that royal jelly plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure: two of the major conditions that contribute to heart disease.

There is a caveat: pregnant women, women who breastfeed, and children should not attempt to take royal jelly. There may be severe side affects as well as an allergic reaction to the substance. Consult your physician if you have any questions regarding royal jelly or royal jelly extract.

As more people are choosing healthier lifestyles, eating the right foods has become a top priority. One area which has spawned renewed interest is grass fed meats. They are a great natural source of saturated fats. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits derived from grass fed meats.

Grass fed meats contains omega-3 fatty acids which are important in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression. On the other hand, grain fed meats offer little in health benefits and studies have shown they contain none of the necessary vitamins and minerals found in grass fed meats.

Saturated fat in grass fed meats may lower cholesterol levels due to the stearic acid that is contained therein. What is stearic acid? Well, it is a saturated fat that can also be found in chocolate, believe it or not. It is also utilized in margarine and shortening. When converted, it turns into monounsaturated fat. This conversion is good news since studies have indicated that the fat has little if any effect on cholesterol levels.

While we normally produce cholesterol in our bodies, there are some individuals who inherently produce more than others. The omega-3 fatty acids in grass fed meats help lower these levels, and grass fed meat contains less fat and calories than grain fed meats.

With the high amount of omega-3 which is found in grass fed meats, you have a healthy alternative to grain fed meats. Conversely, in grain fed meats the amount of omega-6 fatty acid is greater. Individuals whose diet does not consist of a proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 can be more prone to disease.

In the old days, livestock were traditionally grass fed. Unfortunately, today we find that most livestock are given grain and other food products to fatten them up. Cows, for example, are given corn which is not readily digestible. Thus, antibiotics have to be given to counteract the effects of these foods.

The recent outbreak of E. coli is a testament to the devastating effects of feeding corn to cows. Grass fed meat does not contain the E. coli bacteria.

It seems every time you listen to the news they are either telling you to eat meat or don’t eat meat. The fact of the matter is that the data collected from a myriad of studies and research shows that grass fed meat is a healthy alternative.

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
½ C. lite BBQ sauce
1 can refrigerator biscuits
¾ C. shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese

Directions:

Brown meat and drain. Add BBQ sauce. Place biscuits in ungreased muffin cups. Press dough up side of each cup. Spoon meat mixture into cups and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes. (Serves 4)

Low calorie, low fat, low salt